4-Day South Dakota Road Trip: Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Wall Drug, Custer State Park & 1880 Train

Day 1: Mount Rushmore Visit

Rapid City / Keystone, South Dakota on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tally's Silver Spoon

Start your day with classic American breakfast dishes in downtown Rapid City. They open at 7:00am, offering a great hearty meal before heading out.

USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Explore the iconic Mount Rushmore monument, marveling at the massive sculptures of four U.S. presidents. The visitor center and amphitheater are open from 8:00am to 10:00pm in summer.

USD0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hell Canyon BBQ

Enjoy authentic South Dakota BBQ with scenic canyon views just minutes from Mount Rushmore.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Downtown Rapid City

Explore local shops, art galleries, and the City of Presidents bronze statues walking tour. Shops generally open till 6pm.

USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Corn Exchange

Dine on locally-sourced American cuisine in a historic building in Rapid City, open from 5pm to 9pm.

USD30, 1h30m

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Day 2: Badlands Exploration

Badlands National Park, South Dakota on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local café

Fuel up early for your day in the Badlands. Options in Wall and Interior are available from 7am onwards.

USD10, 0h45m

8:30am

Badlands National Park Scenic Drive

Drive the Badlands Loop Road, stopping at Pinnacles Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook, and Fossil Exhibit Trail. The park is open 24/7 with Visitor Center hours 8am-7pm.

USD30 per vehicle, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Enjoy casual lodge fare just inside Badlands National Park, open until 3pm.

USD18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hiking Notch Trail

Take this moderately challenging 1.5 mile round-trip hike to a scenic canyon overlook with a ladder climb. Best done in the afternoon for cooler temps.

USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Wall, South Dakota

Check-in at your hotel in Wall to prepare for the next day’s Wall Drug stop and Custer State Park.

USD0, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Wall Drug Café

Try their famous buffalo burger or homemade pies at this iconic tourist spot open until 8pm.

USD20, 1h0m

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Day 3: Wall Drug & Custer State Park

Wall and Custer, South Dakota on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wall Drug Front Porch Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Wall Drug’s café before exploring the shops and attractions. Open from 7am.

USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Wall Drug Store

Explore this famous roadside attraction with quirky shops, photo ops, and free ice water. Open until 7pm.

USD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Custer State Park

Head south to explore Custer State Park’s wildlife loop and scenic drives.

USD25 per vehicle, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at State Game Lodge

Enjoy a meal at the historic lodge inside Custer State Park, known for its buffalo steaks and local recipes. Open 11:30am to 2:30pm.

USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Wildlife Loop Drive & Sylvan Lake

Drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop to view buffalo, pronghorns, and deer, then explore the scenic Sylvan Lake area and hiking trails.

USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner in Custer at Bobkat’s Purple Pie Place

Finish your day with delicious homemade pies and hearty dinners in charming Custer. Open until 8pm.

USD20, 1h0m

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Day 4: 1880 Train & Rapid City

Hill City / Rapid City, South Dakota on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Alpine Inn in Hill City

Fuel up with classic German-inspired breakfast fare at a local favorite opened since 1946, open from 7am.

USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

1880 Train Ride

Experience a historic steam train ride from Hill City through the scenic Black Hills. Check schedules and purchase tickets in advance. First trains generally depart at 9am.

USD40, 1h30m